Valve structure



May 26, 1953 w, A, RAY 2,639,727

VALVE STRUCTURE original Filed May e. 1947 2 sheets-sheet 1 VALVE STRUCTURE Original Filed May 6. 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 'ivi A l. 36' 47 6 I l25 www: 2, 43

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Patented May 26,` 1953 vALvE STRUCTURE William Alton Ray, North Hollywood, Calif., as-

signor to General Controls Co., a corporation of California Original application May 6, y1947, Serial No. 746,409. Divided and this application March 6, 1950, Serial No. 147,856

4 Claims.

This invention relates to a control valve system for gas burners.

This application is a division of an application led on. May 6, 1947, under Serial No. 746,409, and entitled: Safety Push Button Gas Burner Control System, now Patent No. 2,520,961, issued September 5, 1950.

Systems for the control of such burners generally include a pilot burner that usually remains ignited even when the main burner is extinguished.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide a valve structure that is Simple and inexpensive and capable of being used in systems of this character.

This invention possesses many other advanv tages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings ac-` a Ivalve that incorporates the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the valve;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, sectional view similar to Fig. 2, but with the parts in an alternate position;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, illustrating the valve in active position; and

Fig. 5 is a sectional view, taken along plane 5 5 of Fig. 2, some of the elements being shown in partly diagrammatic fashion.

In the present instance, a main burner I is shown as supplied with gas fuel by the aid of a pipe or conduit 2. The passage of fuel to the main burner I is controlled by a main shut-off valve 3 operated, for example, electromagnetical- 1y. Since such valves are wellknown,l it is not necessary to describe the structure thereof in greater detail.

In order to ignite the burner I upon opening of the valve 3, use is made of the pilot burner 4 adjacent the main burner I. This pilot burner 4, when ignited, produces the pilot flame 5.

Upon failure of the pilot ame 5, the valve 3 cannot be opened, thereby preventing escape of unignited fuel from burner I. How this is accomplished will be described hereinafter.

The pilot burner Il may be supplied with fuel,

through a conduit 6, which is independent of the shut-off valve 3. This conduit 6, as shown most clearly in Fig-2, may be threaded into a wall 'I of the valve body structure 8. This structure defines a sealed chamber 9.

Control of the flow of fuel from the chamber 9 to the pilot burner 4 is effected by the aid of a delicate, electromagnetically operated relay I0 (Figs. 1 and 5). This relay I0 aiects a light armature Il located in the chamber 9. lThe relay III has an energizing coil l2 wound on one leg I3 of the relay core. The other leg 1I of the relay core forms a, knife-edge bearing forthe armature Il. The armature II is ,urged normally to the unenergized position shown in Figs. l and 5 by the aid of a light compression spring I4. In this position, armature II closes a jet I5 which is mountedin the wall I6 of the member 8.

Body 8 forms the main support for the control valve elements, and is shown in Fig. 5 as providingthe walls I and I6 with an intermediate wall 'I2 between the walls. A casing 64 on one side of the structure 8 forms a sealed space around relay I0, and assists in defining the chamber 9. A cover 61 on the other side of Walls 'I and I6 serves to close the chamber 9.

`When the pilot llame r5 is in existence, the relay I0 is energized by aid of the thermocouple I5 that is adapted to be inuenced by the` flame 5. The armature II is then moved to the attracted position illustrated in Fig. 4, uncovering the jet I5. Thus, fuel can pass from chamber 9 through jet I5, passageway Il, and conduit I8. Upon failure of the flame 5, the relay I0 is promptly de-energized, armature II is returned to its unattracted position of Fig. 1, and ow of fuel to the pilot burner 4 is interrupted.

Assuming that the system is inactive or in the position of Fig. 1, both the pilot name 5 and the main flame I9 being extinguished, the main shutoi valve 3 is closed. Assurance that, under such circumstances, valve 3 must remain closed is effected |by aid of a circuit control device which operates to open the Icircuit for valve 3 when the system is in the inactive position.

For this purpose, a contact arm 20 is utilized, and which carries a contact button 2 I. This `Contact arm in the inactive position is out of contact with thhe corresponding stationary contact 22 appropriately mounted on the apparatus.

In order to permity the valve 3 to be opened, it

' is necessary that contact arm 20 move to the position of. Fig. 4, in which contact points 2| and 22 areclosed; :and itv is also necessary that a control device 23, such as a thermostat, or the like, have its contact closed. When both these conditions exist, the circuit for valve 3 is established through a step-down secondary winding 24 of a transformer 25. The primary winding 26 of this transformer is connected to a conventional source of electrical energy. The circuit forthe valve3 thus includes winding 24, contact 2|, contact 22, thermostat switch 23, valve 3, back to coil Mi. The valve 3 is thus permitted to open, provided. the thermostat or other control device 2'3' isl in a position requiring more heat.

Contact arm 20 is urged toi the clpsing'posrtion by the aid of a movable Wall or diaphragm 21. This diaphragm 21 is clamped atits edges. between a lower housing; member Ze and the ilange 29 shown as formed integrally with the frame 8. This diaphragm forms a movable wall for a pressure chamber 30. Mechanical Contact between arm 20 and control diaphragm 21 is effected by the arm 32|: forming an extension of arm 2u... The upper end of the. arm. 3-| is bowed, and is' in contact with the flat disc. 32 attached to the lower side of the diaphragm 21.

The arm 3| is connected to one endv 33'. of' a coil spring 36- which is pivoted on. a pin 34 mounted. on a bracket 35'. This bracket 35` is appropriately supported on. the base 3164i of an insulation. material which serves. to cover an opening in the housing 28:. The other end of' the. spring 36; is restrained; by the bracket, 35. Spring 36l thus. urges the arm 3l| in a. clockwise direction..

As shownl most clearly in Figs. 2, 3,. and 4, the contact. arm 20. projects downwardly through an aperture in the base 361.. The contact 2211s supported on. a lbracket 3-1 mounted on the lower side of the base 351. A sheet-metal cover member 38 may be used to house these contacts.

The spring 35' urges the diaphragm 21` upwardly by' aid of arm; 31|. 'I'he diaphragm is, however, urged downwardly by the aid of a compression springv 39.'. The upper end of this spring abuts the. lower wall of member 8i, and its lower end engages the. disc 4.01 disposed on4 the upper side of' the diaphragm 21:..

The force of spring 39 and of spring 33 is such that, when chamber 3.3 is. at. atmospheric. pressure, the diaphragm 21. remains. in the neutral position of Fig. 2, the arm 20. maintaining con tact 2| out of engagement with contact- 22.

Pressure of the. gas. fuell is utilized to. urge the diaphragm downwardly to cause val-ve 3i to open. When it is. urged` downwardly the contacts 2| and 22. are made as shown in Fi-g. 4, and the valve 3 can open. if' control device 23 demands more heat.

To conduct fuel under pressurev to the chamber 30,-, use is made of a bleed hole.- 11 that connects the. passage |1 with a recess 4| leading to: the chamber 3d. This' bleed hole 11 is of such small size that an. appreciable period must occur before the diaphragm 21 is moved by gas pressure to theA active position of Fig, 4. Furthermore.. the

armature |-i must be; in the energized position to' uncover the jet l5, since this jet controls the passage' of fuel through the port lit into bleed hole 11. Accordingly, the valve 3 is; prevented from opening unless the relay energized, corresponding toA the existence oiV the. pilot` flame 5.

Means are provided to initiate the. operation of the system when both the pilot iiame and the main burner i9; are extinguished- Thisis acthe pilot burner 4, and which passes fuel to the pilot burner independently of the position of the armature The valve in this instance is shown as having a closure 42 cooperating with a seat formed at the: uppen edge of a recesslg that intersects the port |l1.. This'I closure, is. carried by a stem 44. When the valve stern 44 lifts, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, fuel can pass from the chamber il downwardly past the closure member 42 and to the port |1 and conduit I8 and pilot burner 4. fis-shown: most. clearly in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, a port 451 extends from the chamber 9 to the recess 43 to effect this: communication.

Normally, the. valve closure 42 is urged to closed.` position` aid of the compression spring 4d which. engages. the top of the closure member, and which is held in place by hollow screw 411l disposed in the top of frame 8.

The valve stem 44 is: adapted to be lifted manuallyby,` the. aid of' a push button 48.. This. push button 48 is shown as slidably mounted in a boss 49s depending from the. casing member 23. The pushV button carries a. headed stern. 5D.. Ar compression spring 5t. urges the push button 48; to they inactive position oi Fig.. 4, in which the head of stem 50 is urged into contactwith the bottom ofthe-casing 2.6.".

When it desired to open the.y pilot. valve clo- 1 sure 42, the. pushbutton is urged upwardly to apply a force against diaphragm 21 thereby ensuring ope-ning of thevalNe circuit. contacts 2|. and 22.. Continued movement of the difaphragm Z1., byl further momement. of' the push button 48, serves to compress the. spring 39 to the position shown in Fig. 3, and ultimately to littthe stern 4'4.

This upward movement. of' the .push button 48 thus ensures def'energization of the electrical circuit for operating the waive 3. It: will also establish Contact. between a contacta 52, carried on. the arm- 28, and av stationaryY contact 53. When these contacts are closed, as. shown in Fig. 3., an electric igniter 54', such as. av spark device, energized through a. sterol-.down transformer 55'.. step-down transfo:mierv has a. primary winding 58. Thecrcuit; orthis4 winding is closed through'. the secondary' winding 24 byf the oontacts 52: and 53.

Upward. movement. of the. diaphragm 21.3 under the. influence? ot push button 4.8' is such, that the igniter circuit iirst; estabhshed before stem 44 is raised. In order to accomplish this. result, the diaphragm 21 carriesA a. hollow sleeve 51; which is slidably eluded in, the, recess 4|. hollow sleeve has one. or more radial apertures 58 near its` lower end to main-tain communication between the recess 4| and the. chamberit.

The. sleeve 5.1 has a. threaded extension 59 passes through. the. dises. 4t, 32,. as well as the diaphragm 2. By the aid off 30' engaging this. extension, these parte are. clamped together. The push button 48. in. its upward travel, contacts: the extension 53'.

Sleeve 51 serves to guide the movement, of; the diaphragm 21. Furthermore, the bot-torri, surface 6 l.. ofA the sleeve ultimately contacts. the bottom of. the stem. 44 to open the. pilot burner valve 42?.

When the push. button 44 is urged upwardly, the ieniter contacts 52 and 53- are. first established; then. later on.. the surface el liits, the stem 44 to pass eas to thev pilot burner 4. In this way, it. is assured that the -g-niter will be in eomplished by providing a supplemental valve for 75. Operation befre Passae 0f fuel 130A the burner 4,

Of course, at the same time, it is assured that the valve 3 is prevented from opening by separation of contacts 2I and 22.

In order to start the system from inactive .position, the push button 43 is urged upwardly to the position of Fig. 3, the pilot 4 is lighted; and button 48 is held until the relay IB is energized. Jet I5 is then uncovered and gas may now pass to the port l1 independently of the closure member 42. Withdrawal of the button 48 then permits the diaphragm 21 slowly to recede to the operative position of Fig. 4. This delay is due to the restricted bleed hole 11 through which the fuel must pass in order to depress the diaphragm 21. In the operative position of Fig. 4, the contacts ZI and 22, controlling energization of valve 3, are established.

A ground connection 63 may be provided for the igniter circuit and for the metal parts of the apparatus.

Relay Ill may be supported appropriately on a wall of the casing 64, as by the aid of a supporting bracket 65 encompassing the upper .pole piece B6 of the relay.

The jet I5 is shown in this instance as threaded appropriately into the wall IE5 of frame 8. A packing 611 and a gland nut 68, threaded on the jet member I 5, serve to ensure aseal around the jet member. Furthermore, the compression spring I4 is anchored at its left-hand end on a frame member 69 having an opening 1I] through which the armature II can extend. This armature has a shoulder which engages the top of frame member 69 to place the armature in operative position. This frame member 69 can be appropriately supported on the lower leg 1l of the core I3.

The operation of the system is clear from the foregoing. In the event of pilot flame failure, the relay IIJ is de-energized, armature II covers the jet i5, and the pressure in chamber 3D is reduced by escape of gas through the aperture 58, recess 4I, bleed aperture 11, port I1, and conduit i8. The apparatus then returns to the inactive position of Fig. 2, providing a complete shut-off for the pilot burner 4, as well as for the main burner I. Thereafter, initiation of the operation of the system can be performed, as hereinbefore set forth, by operation of push button 48.

Should the gas pressure be greatly reduced,

I which may lead to dangerous conditions, the system is' returned to the inactive, fully shut-off position of Figs. 1 and 2. This occurs becouse the pressure in chamber 33 would be insufficient to hold contacts 2| and 22 in engagement, and the fuel can pass from chamber 9 through hole 11, jet I5, port I1 and conduit IB ont through the pilot burner 4. Upon shutting oil of the jet I5 by the armature I I, any fuel in the chamber 3B can esc-ape through the aperture 58, recess 4I, bleed apertures 11, port I1, and conduit I8.

The inventor claims:

1. In a fluid control structure: a Valve body y the valve body, .and defining a space; there being a port between the outlet passageway and said space, to pressurize said space; said port being independent of said closure; an operator for the closure including a connection with said movable wall; and means for moving the wall against the pressure in the space, to move said operator for opening said movable valve closure.

2. In a. iluid control structure: a valve body having an inlet passage, an intermediate chamber and an `outlet passage; said intermediate chamber being in communication with the passages; means in said chamber for closing the outiet passage; said body providing an alternate passage from the chamber to the outlet passage; a movable valve closure for said alternate passage; a movable wall cooperating with a Wall of the valve body, Iand dening a space; there being a po-rt between the outlet passageway .and said space, to pressurize said space; said port being independent of said closure; an operator for the closure including a connection with said movable wall; and manual means for moving the wall against the pressure in the space, to move said operator for opening said movable valve closure.

3. In a uid control structure: a valve body having an inlet passage, an intermediate charnber and an outlet passage; said intermediate chamber being in communication with the passages; means in said chamber for closing the outlet passage; said body providing an alternate passage from the chamber to the outlet passage; a movable Valve closure for said alternate passage; a movable wall cooperating with a wall of the valve body, and defining a space; there being a port between the outlet passageway and said space, to pressurize said space; said po-rt being independent of said closure; an operator for the closure including a connection with said movable wall; said Wall when moved in one direction serving to move the operator to unseat said closure; means biasing the valve closure to closed position; means: normally urging said wall to a position in which the valve closure is left in seated position; and means for moving said wall to unseat the valve closure.

4. In a uid control structure: .a valve body having an inlet passage, an intermediate chamber and an outlet passage; said intermediate chamber being in communication withv the passages; means in said chamber for closing the outlet passage; said body providing an alternate passage from the chamber to the outlet passage; a movable valve closure for said alternate passage; a movable wall cooperating with ya wall of the valve body, and defining a space; there being a port between the outlet passageway and said space, to pressurize said space; said port being independent of said closure; said body having a bore communicating with the port; a guide sleeve attached to the movable wall and guided in the bore; said valve closure having a stein extending into the sleeve; and means for moving the wall to engage the stem and unseat the valve closure.

WILLIAM ALT'ON RAY.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

